Special review decision

Based on the above, the PMRA concluded that the potential reproductive risk to birds and the potential risk to mammals under the current conditions of use will be lower than the estimated risk and is not expected to be a concern. [...] PMRA Response When a special review is initiated under subsection 17(2) of the Pest Control Products Act, the PMRA carries out an analysis of the available information from the OECD member countries (where the pesticide is prohibited) to identify the aspect(s) of concern related to the prohibition. [...] The routes of exposure included both dermal and inhalation routes, and for the assessment, the PMRA considered the available information including the toxicological profile of paraquat (including subchronic and chronic animal studies at low exposure doses), exposure data for workers using backpack equipment, and the level of PPE that the PMRA considered necessary to minimize the risk of accidental [...] One comment proposed a revision to the proposed statement regarding the use of the product by “individuals holding and appropriate pesticide applicator certificate or licence recognised by the provincial/territorial pesticide regulatory body” by removing the word “licence” to increase the clarity of the requirement. [...] Based on the analysis of new information, the PMRA concluded that the proposed risk reduction measures described above combined with the stewardship program and the required additional label amendments provide a viable alternative to the prohibition of tank mixing of paraquat product.